Today, Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, would be considered the titular King of Greece and the head of the former Greek royal family. While Greece is a parliamentary republic and no longer has a reigning monarch, the line of succession to the former throne continues.
Upon the death of his father, King Constantine II, on January 10, 2023, Pavlos inherited the claim to the abolished throne and became the head of the Royal House of Greece.
Understanding the Greek Monarchy
Greece has been a republic since 1973, when the monarchy was formally abolished by a referendum. The last reigning monarch was King Constantine II, who reigned from 1964 until the abolition. Despite the absence of a constitutional monarchy, the historical lineage and traditional titles are maintained by the former royal family.
Pavlos's Position and Succession
Pavlos's role as the head of the former royal family officially began on January 10, 2023, immediately following the passing of his father, Constantine II. He is recognized by monarchists and royal houses globally as the rightful claimant to the Greek throne.
Key Information about Pavlos:
- Full Name: Pavlos
- Born: May 20, 1967
- Birthplace: Tatoi Palace, Athens, Kingdom of Greece
As the eldest son of the last reigning King, Pavlos leads the non-reigning House of Glücksburg (a branch of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg), which historically ruled Greece.
The Line of Succession
The succession within the former Greek royal family follows the male-preference cognatic primogeniture, similar to many European monarchies.
Succession Details:
- Predecessor as Head of House: Constantine II (his father)
- Heir Apparent: Constantine-Alexios, his eldest son
Here's a summary of Pavlos's current status:
| Title/Role | Head of the Former Royal House of Greece |
|---|---|
| Current Titular Head | Pavlos |
| Tenure Began | January 10, 2023 |
| Predecessor | Constantine II |
| Heir Apparent | Constantine-Alexios |
| Born | May 20, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Tatoi Palace, Athens, Kingdom of Greece |
While Greece operates under a republican government, the continuation of the royal lineage serves as a historical and symbolic link to the country's monarchical past. For more information on the history of the Greek monarchy, you can refer to resources like the Monarchy of Greece Wikipedia page.
